If you’re lucky, while you’re in the court holding cells you may get a visit from a serving prisoner sent over from whichever prison you’re heading to. This prisoner, known as an “Insider”, is a trusted inmate with real, first-hand experience of exactly the position you’re in. They’ll talk you through what happens over the next week or so, and what life is actually like inside. They’re not there to counsel you – they’re not Samaritans – but they’ve been through it themselves and understand what you’re feeling. They can answer most of your questions about the prison you’re going to, and will pass on anything that needs raising with the right people there.
The information on this page is based on the law in England & Wales. If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, click here for the guide for your jurisdiction.
If you don’t get a visit from an Insider, you’ll largely be left to your own devices. The staff running the court cells aren’t prison officers – they’re from a private company contracted to move prisoners around the country. As in any walk of life, some are friendly and happy to answer reasonable questions, others less so. They may be able to give you a rough idea of when you’ll be moved on to the prison; otherwise, all you can really do is sit and wait.
| Transport to the prison | Arrival at the prison |
| Initial Phone Call | Moving to the wing/cell |
| First Night | Personal Officer |
| Phone credit and money | Induction Processes |
| Working in the prison | |